Parliamentary candidate Claire Sully is ‘running the new Bridgwater constituency’
Claire Sully, the Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for the new Bridgwater constituency, is to embark on a challenge of, quite literally, ‘running the new Bridgwater constituency’ to raise awareness of important issues to residents from across the length and breadth of the area.
Beginning Saturday, December 2, Claire will take on a series of organised runs which will take her across the constituency, shining a light on the concerns of residents within the various towns and villages which make up the area, as she bids to become the first representative member of parliament for the new Bridgwater constituency when a general election is held next year.
The first run will be conducted in memory of beloved Bridgwater resident Bethany Branson, who died in November last year following a road traffic collision.
Bethany, 19, was a passenger in a car that was hit by a van in Bridgwater. The van was driven at high speed through a red light on the A38 Taunton Road before it collided with two cars that had right-of-way at a junction.
The van’s driver was, in January this year, sentenced to 10 years in jail after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and for failing to provide an alcohol breath specimen.
Road safety is an issue which concerns many from across the new Bridgwater constituency, and Bethany’s parents, Amy and Ben Branson, have launched a petition with the hope of enacting change to prevent another heartbreaking tragedy on our roads.
The event, which will be 5km in length, will begin next to Haygrove School, Bridgwater, at 10am on Saturday December 2, with an open invitation to join Claire, and Bethany’s family, to run or walk all or part of the route.
Claire said: “When I read about Bethany’s tragic incident and learned what her family were looking do in her name, I wanted to get involved and see how I could help them.
“For many people, road safety is a real priority. If we think about Bethany, and the circumstances surrounding her death, it may prevent people getting in their cars after drinking alcohol, which is especially important at this time of year, as we head into the festive period.
“I’m excited to take on this challenge and meet many residents of our wonderful constituency, while the runs will also aim to highlight important issues which are a priority to local people.
“I very much welcome all of those interested to join me and to share with me their priorities. There will be plenty of walking as well, so you do not have to be an experienced runner to get involved.”
Those interested in joining Claire as she ‘runs the new Bridgwater constituency’ can register their interest through the Facebook event page, or by contacting Claire at contactclairesully@gmail.com.
Details of further events as Claire ‘runs the new Bridgwater constituency’ will be released in due course, with information made available via her Facebook page, Strava and her website.
Claire Sully is ‘running the new Bridgwater Constituency’
Run 1 – in memory of Bethany Branson
When: Saturday, December 2, 10.30am
Where: Haygrove School
Route: Run 1 map , you can also sign up and find more info here.